Elric of Melnibone These are names of power. Names of glory. Epic names.

These heroes are examples of epic-level characters: heroes who have gone beyond the normal limits of skill, battle prowess, and magical might. While still mortal beings, these individuals-and those like them-wield powers that other characters (even those as high as 20th level) can only dream about. This book is about those powers, and how your character can do more than dream about them.

WHAT IS AN EPIC LEVEL CHARACTER Put plainly, an epic-level character is one who has achieved 21st character level. Though the Player’s Handbook describes character progression as being limited to 20th level, legend and literature is replete with examples of characters who have gone beyond normal limits. Now your character gets to join them and assume a role in legend.

ON BEYOND 20TH! When a character reaches character level 20, your “normal” progression ends. However, this is by no means the end of the character’s career. But how can a character achieve 21st level? Some DMs might simply choose to allow a character to reach 21st level by gaining the requisite number of XP, as indicated in Table ##: Experience Point Progression. However, this option may be too mundane for some players and DMs, who prefer that the transition to epic level gaming be accompanied by a suitable event, such as a holy quest, series of tests, or similar great challenge. Chapter ##: Epic-Level Campaigns has more information on this topic.